Sports face mask identification system

ABSTRACT

The face mask is attached to a helmet that protects the rest of the head. The mask is usually made of bars of metal or other product that will perform the same function. The number, letter, name or logo identifying the athlete or team will be added to the mask will provide the identify of the athlete without need for any other identification. This will allow for larger photos of the face when the face of the athlete is used for advertising or just used in a video, photo or other image that provides recognition of the person wearing the mask. The number, letter, name or logo will be located on the mask in a location that does not interfere with vision. The identifier will be of the same or similar product that comprises the rest of the mask.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of sports masks and more specifically to a sports face mask identification system.

The face mask has been on football helmets for about 60 years. It has been developed over time to protect the entire face while allowing for unobstructed vision. The mask has been adapted for other sports in recent years. The mask covers the face which along with the helmet to which it is attached provides protection for the head. The mask and helmet also makes it difficult to determine who is wearing the helmet. The mask does provide an opportunity for identification of the person wearing the mask. Currently the athlete wears a numeral and/or other identification on the front of the jersey which is used to identify the athlete. It is difficult to identify the athlete through a photo showing only the face of the athlete when wearing a helmet with a face mask. Photos of the face of the athlete must now include the jersey or other note of the name or number which the athlete wears. Location of an identifying number, letter, name or logo on the mask will allow the mask to continue to provide protection for and provide identification of the athlete. The identification will benefit the athlete for promotional purposes as well as helping to identify the athlete through a photo of the face only when wearing a helmet with the face mask. This change of the mask to include a number, letter, name or logo will allow the mask to perform two functions. The first function is protection of the face and head and the second function is to identify the wearer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary advantage of the invention is Provides identification of person wearing device through providing the name or number or team of player (wearer).

Another advantage of the invention is providing advertisers a simple identification system to identify the person wearing the device.

Another advantage of the invention is Permits the advertiser to use only the face shot of the person to identify the athlete by his or her number.

A further advantage of the invention is that it can be used by all sports that use wire-type face masks as part of a head protection system.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that it will allow television viewers of the sport to identify the wearer if only a face shot is shown of the athlete when the helmet with face mask is worn.

Still yet another advantage of the invention is The number, name or team logo located on the face mask will provide a unique identification of the wearer from other wearers of face masks.

Another advantage of the invention is that the mask with the name, number or logo will provide a larger market for face masks because the masks will have individual identification systems.

Another advantage of the invention is The names, numbers or logos may be formed by bent wire just as the rest of the mask is made but may use different colors of plastic coating to distinguish the number from the rest of the face mask.

A further advantage of the invention is The names, numbers or logos may be formed by a small flat piece of metal or plastic located between bars that make up the mask and be located on a part of the mask that does not compromise vision of the wearer.

A further advantage is that the mask can be used to advertise products as well as provide the name or other identifying information about the athlete wearing the mask.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,. wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed Sports face mask identification system comprising: 1. A sports mask that identifies the wearer or team of the wearer. 2. A unique design not before used. 3. A design that will benefit players, advertisers and fans in identifying the player through a photo of the face of the player wearing his or her helmet with the face mask identification system. 4. The number, name or logo identifying the player will provide advertisers the opportunity to use photos of the player without need of showing the torso of the player or other identifying information. A larger photo or image of the athlete can then be used since there is otherwise less space needed in the photo or image to identify the person. 5. The number, logo or name designed into the face mask will provide a unique identity to each wearer. 6. A sports mask with a logo designed into it will provide a unique identity to the wearers' team. 7. A sports mask with the name of the player on it will benefit the player for advertising purposes and general identifying purposes when a photo or video. close-up of the athlete showing only the face of the athlete is shown to an audience or other identified or unidentified viewer of the image. 8. The system will differentiate the faces behind sports masks to allow the identification of individuals through the use of an identifying system that will be comprised of a number, letter, name or logo. 9. The system will allow for advertising on the mask.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

Figure one is a perspective view of the invention. The figure shows one way in which the identifying number, letter, name or logo can be attached to or integrated to the mask. The number, letter, name or logo will be integrated into the mesh using the same material or similar material as the rest of the mask.

Figure two is a perspective of the mask using the small disk that can contain the identifying information or advertising information. Rather than using the wire mesh similar to the wire mesh that makes up the mask a small disk that is flat is attached to the mask. The flat surface provides space for the identification of the athlete and space to locate an advertisement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

The sports mask identification system is a number, letter, name or logo added to the sports mask. The sports mask is the wire mesh mask that is added to the front of helmets used in contact sports. The sports mask protects the wearer from injury to the face. The sports mask identification system adds identity information to the mask to provide the identity of the wearer to the viewer. The sports mask identification system can also be used to advertise products through words or logos added to the mask. The sports mask identification system is unique to the sports mask. It will provide easier identity of the wearer for advertising purposes and for identity purposes in any media that includes photos or video of the person wearing the mask. The system will allow for reinforcement of team identity when photos are taken of an individual's face when wearing the mask.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. Sports face mask identification system comprising:
 1. A sports mask that identifies the wearer or team of the wearer.
 2. A unique design not before used.
 3. A design that will benefit players, advertisers and fans in identifying the player through a photo of the face of the player wearing his or her helmet with the face mask identification system.
 4. The number, name or logo identifying the player will provide advertisers the opportunity to use photos of the player without need of showing the torso of the play or or other identifying information. A larger photo or image of the athlete can then be used since there is otherwise less space needed in the photo or image to identify the person.
 5. The number, logo or name designed into the face mask will provide a unique identity to each wearer.
 6. A sports mask with a logo designed into it will provide a unique identity to the wearers' team.
 7. A sports mask with the name of the player on it will benefit the player for advertising purposes and general identifying purposes when a photo or video close-up of the athlete showing only the face of the athlete is shown to an audience or other identified or unidentified viewer of the image.
 8. A system that will differentiate the faces behind sports masks to allow the identification of individuals through the use of an identifying system that will be comprised of a number, letter, name or logo. 